These seemingly unrelated events were now like an invisible thread being strung together by an unseen hand, finally leading him here, in front of this Shiny Ralts.
This was no coincidence at all; it was a setup.
A test specifically designed for him.
Ariel's gaze deepened as he thought of old man Moore's eyes, which seemed capable of seeing through everything.
An Elite Four Level powerhouse would never ask a stranger to help deliver something for no reason.
So, what was the purpose of this test?
Ariel's gaze fell back onto Ralts once more.
The answer was self-evident.
If he captured this Ralts now, he might obtain a rare Pokémon with infinite potential.
But at the same time, he would completely lose the recognition of that powerhouse standing at the peak, and might even be labeled as 'greedy' and 'untrustworthy.'
Moreover, at this critical juncture, Moore, who already suspected him, would definitely keep a close eye on him.
By then, the possibility of his identity as a member of the Team Rockets being exposed would be very high.
Conversely, if he gave up this huge temptation... he would win the trust of an Elite Four Level powerhouse.
This was a huge gamble.
On one side of the bet was the rare treasure before his eyes.
On the other side was an invisible, intangible opportunity leading to a higher level.
Ariel's heart beat powerfully in his chest.
He was no saint; facing a Shiny Ralts, it was impossible for him not to be tempted.
But he was also a smart man who knew how to weigh the pros and cons.
How could the value of a single Pokémon compare to the goodwill of an Elite powerhouse?
In just a few seconds, a battle had already concluded within Ariel's heart.
The greed and heat in his eyes faded completely, replaced by clarity and calm.
He slowly crouched down, his movements very light, trying his best not to Astonish the sensitive little fellow in front of him.
"Don't be afraid."
His voice was very low, carrying a soothing power.
Ralts tilted its little head, seemingly a bit puzzled.
Just moments ago, this human had radiated an aura that made it afraid; how did he suddenly become so gentle?
Ariel didn't say more, instead taking out a bottle of Potion spray from his backpack.
"Sss—"
He first sprayed it into the air to show that this thing wasn't dangerous, then carefully approached Ralts.
He saw a wound on Ralts's snowy white leg, scratched by a branch; though not deep, the seeping blood was particularly noticeable under the moonlight.
Ralts instinctively pulled its leg back.
Ariel stopped his movements and simply held the Potion out in front of it, his gaze gentle.
One person and one Pokémon just stared at each other like that.
Finally, seemingly sensing that Ariel had no ill intent, Ralts hesitated for a moment, its eyes blinking, and stopped dodging.
Only then did Ariel gently and quickly spray the medicine onto its wound.
The cool medicine made Ralts narrow its eyes comfortably, letting out a faint cry that sounded like a thank you.
"Alright, take me to find your family."
Ariel put away the Potion and stood up.
"It's so late; they must be worried."
Ralts was stunned.
It could feel that this human really intended to let it go.
It gave a cheerful cry, affectionately rubbing its little head against Ariel's pant leg, then turned and ran toward the depths of the forest with a hop and a skip, occasionally looking back to see if Ariel was following.
Ariel recalled Weavile and followed unhurriedly behind.
Moonlight filtered through the layers of the forest canopy, casting mottled shadows on the forest floor.
The forest at night was not quiet; the cries of Noctowl came from the distance, and Rattata occasionally scurried through the grass with a rustle.
After walking for about ten minutes, the leading Ralts suddenly stopped and let out a joyful call.
In the forest clearing ahead, a vigorous figure suddenly turned around at the sound.
It was a Gallade.
Its stature was as upright as a pine tree, the blades on its arms shimmering with a cold light under the moonlight, and its eyes were full of vigilance and wariness.
The moment it saw Ariel, it immediately took a combat stance, a powerful aura instantly using Lock-On on Ariel.
"Ralu!"
The Shiny Ralts hurriedly ran to Gallade's side, gesturing anxiously as if explaining something.
The hostility on Gallade gradually faded; its scrutinizing gaze lingered on Ariel for a moment, and finally, that sharp look turned into a trace of inquiry and gratitude.
It gave a slight nod toward Ariel.
This was a greeting belonging to the strong.
Ariel also nodded slightly in response, without saying a single word.
He watched as that Shiny Ralts safely returned to its father's side, then turned and walked into the darkness from which he came without any lingering attachment.
When Ralts looked back again, the human who had helped it had completely disappeared into the night... By the time Ariel found Moore's old friend's house according to the address, it was already late at night.
It was a simple wooden house nestled on the mountainside, surrounded by a fence, with the yard full of various berries.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Ariel knocked on the wooden door.
Soon, a series of footsteps came from inside, and the door was pulled open a crack. A wrinkled, somewhat impatient old face peered out.
"Who is it? At this hour."
The old man's tone sounded very unpleasant.
"Hello, I am Ariel. I was entrusted by Mr. Moore to deliver a package to you."
Ariel handed over the package from his backpack.
The old man took the package, sized Ariel up, and his brow furrowed even deeper:
"Why are you only arriving now? Moore said you should have been here this afternoon."
"Apologies, I encountered something on the way and was delayed,"
Ariel explained neither humbly nor arrogantly,
"I encountered a Ralts being chased by a Nidoking and helped it, so I arrived late."
He didn't lie, nor did he exaggerate; he simply stated the facts.
Hearing this, the impatience on the old man's face clearly froze, and a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.
He looked at Ariel again, and this time his gaze held less scrutiny and more observation.
"Delayed serious business because of a Pokémon?"
The old man snorted, but his tone wasn't as aggressive as before.
"In my view, helping a Pokémon in trouble is also serious business,"
Ariel replied calmly.
The old man fell silent.
He stared at Ariel for a full ten seconds before finally nodding slowly and opening the door wider.
"Fine, I've received the item. Thanks. It's late; you should head back."
With that, he closed the door without any intention of inviting Ariel in to sit.
Ariel didn't mind and turned to leave.
Inside the house.
The old man held the package, crossed the living room, and entered the innermost room.
In the room, a familiar figure was sitting by the tea table, leisurely sipping tea.
It was Moore.
"How was it, Katsuya? I wasn't wrong, was I?"
Moore put down his teacup and asked with a chuckle.
The old man called Katsuya irritably tossed the package onto the table and glared at him:
"You have the nerve to say that! Moore, you're really getting more muddled as you get older! To actually use this kind of method to test a kind-hearted young man!"
His voice was full of reproach.
And in the corner of the room, a Gallade was standing there, while at its feet, a Shiny Ralts was curiously watching the two old men argue.
They were the two Pokémon Ariel had encountered earlier.
"Ahem,"
Moore's old face turned red from his friend's scolding, feeling a bit embarrassed, yet he still stubbornly said,
"I've identified countless people in my life, and I rely on my intuition! The Alliance hasn't been peaceful lately; the shadows of Team Rockets are everywhere. It's never wrong to be a little careful! Who knew that young people nowadays had hearts so... so pure!"
He originally wanted to say "so stupid," but the words stopped at the tip of his tongue.
Giving up a Shiny Pokémon that was within reach to choose to help it.
He asked himself if he could have ever done such a thing when he was young, and the answer was absolutely not.
He had thought Ariel might be a spy sent by Team Rockets to get close to him, or at least a profit-driven Trainer. He didn't expect his intuition to take such a big fall this time.
"You should change that suspicious nature of yours!"
Katsuya's anger had not yet subsided,
"Because of your suspicion, the Alliance almost missed out on a good prospect!"
"Alright, alright, stop nagging!"
Moore waved his hand impatiently, but a smile of appreciation appeared on his face,
"Do you think I, Moore, am a stingy person?"
He stood up, walked to the window, and looked in the direction Ariel had left, his gaze profound.
"This kid—his character, strength, and judgment are all top-tier. He passed my test, so as a reward..."
The corner of Moore's mouth curled into a mysterious arc.
"As an old man, I have to give him a grand gift!"